Snapping Hip Syndrome | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is snapping hip syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans, is a condition caused by muscles and tendons surrounding your hip joint. When you move, your tight muscles or tendons may snap or pop. The sound or sensation can occur with or without pain and can affect one hip or both.

About 5 to 10 percent of the population is affected by snapping hip syndrome. For most people, the condition is painless and doesn’t cause any harm. However, overuse of the hip joint can lead to discomfort and long-term symptoms. And sometimes the snapping can be a sign of other underlying conditions.

You could be more likely to experience a snapping hip if you play a sport or have a job that requires constant bending and significant motion at your hip. The condition is sometimes called “dancer’s hip” because it’s so common in dancers.

women suffering from snapping hip syndrome out for a walk

Types of snapping hip syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is named differently depending on where it happens.

External snapping hip

The most common place for a snapping hip is on the side, where the iliotibial (IT) band slides over part of the thighbone called the greater trochanter. When the hip is straight, the IT band is behind the trochanter. When the hip bends, the band moves in front of it. Since the IT band is tight, like a stretched rubber band, it snaps over the trochanter, creating the snapping sound you hear.

Internal snapping hip

Internal snapping hip happens in front and just inside the hip when the hip flexor tendons slide and catch on bony structures at the front of the hip joint. This snapping usually occurs when moving from a bent to a straight position. As the flexor muscle stretches, it briefly catches on the hip bone before snapping back into place. It is the second most common type of snapping hip syndrome.

Intra-articular snapping hip

Intra-articular hip injuries occur within the hip joint itself. Common issues include damage to the articular cartilage lining the ball and socket, acetabular labral tears (tears in the cartilage that rims the hip socket), hip dysplasia or broken bone fragments and debris trapped in the joint following a fracture or dislocation.

Snapping hip syndrome symptoms

As its name indicates, snapping hip syndrome often involves a snapping or clicking sound. While it’s usually painless, some people may feel a clicking or popping sensation when moving their hip.

Other symptoms can include:

Inflammation
Swelling
Leg muscle weakness
Discomfort (a feeling like the hip might pop out)
Decreased range of motion in the hip
Difficulty with physical activity
Increased pain after activity

When to see a doctor

The symptoms of snapping hip syndrome usually develop over time and increase with overuse. These can take months to years to cause any issues or concerns. See your doctor if you have any signs of a snapping hip, including hip pain and weakness. A physical exam can help pinpoint the problem area, so you can get the treatment you need.

Snapping hip syndrome causes

Hip pain and popping happen when the muscles and tendons around your hip are too lax or too tight. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The snapping or popping sound occurs when the tissue moves over a bony ridge in your hip joint.

man stretching on grass to alleviate snapping hip symptoms

Snapping hip syndrome risk factors

Risk factors for snapping hip syndrome include:

Repetitive hip motions

Activities like running, soccer, gymnastics, and dance that involve repeated hip movements can increase the risk.

Complications

Typically, snapping hip syndrome doesn’t have many complications. However, if you don’t take steps to rest or treat the condition, you could develop:

Hip bursitis (also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome): Swelling and pain in the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint
A torn hip labrum: Damage to the cartilage that lines your hip socket

women sitting in bed dealing with the complications of snapping hip syndrome

Diagnosing snapping hip syndrome

The first step in diagnosing snapping hip syndrome is a physical exam. This will help your doctor determine the cause of the snapping sensation and popping sounds. If needed, imaging tests can be used to get a detailed picture of your hip and provide a clearer idea of what’s going on inside the joint.

Snapping hip syndrome treatment

The first step in treatment usually involves resting and adjusting your activities. Depending on the cause of your snapping hip, your doctor may also suggest other treatment options.

Lifestyle changes

Resting and reducing activities that cause your symptoms will give your muscles and tendons the time they need to heal. Over-the-counter pain medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can reduce inflammation and relieve your pain.

Always remember to warm up and stretch your hip muscles before exercising and set aside time to recover.

Locations

With orthopedic centers in North and Central Texas, Baylor Scott & White offers the care you need, where and when you need it.

Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic

600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833

Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic

600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833

What is snapping hip syndrome?

Types of snapping hip syndrome

External snapping hip

Internal snapping hip

Intra-articular snapping hip

Snapping hip syndrome symptoms

When to see a doctor

Snapping hip syndrome causes

Snapping hip syndrome risk factors

Repetitive hip motions

Recent growth spurts

Sex

Poor physical conditioning

Inadequate warm-up

Flat feet

Valgus lower extremity alignment

Trauma

Complications

Diagnosing snapping hip syndrome

Medical history and exam

Imaging

Snapping hip syndrome treatment

Lifestyle changes

Physical therapy

Injections

Surgery

Locations

Frequently asked questions

Is surgery needed for snapping hip syndrome?

Can snapping hip syndrome be cured?

Can snapping hip syndrome cause back pain?

Is snapping hip syndrome common?

Is snapping hip syndrome painful?

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